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NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The artistic director of the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven has been placed on administrative leave after several current and former employees have accused him of sexual misconduct, according to a report in the New York Times.

Gordon Edelstein, who has been the artistic director at the theater since 2002, has been accused of making unwanted sexual contact with several people, as well as frequently using sexually explicit language in the workplace, according to the New York Times.

The New York Times conducted interviews with dozens of current and former employees of the Long Wharf Theatre for the story. One woman described how he kissed her during a dinner in 2003, and later groped her and masturbated in front of her, according to the New York Times. Others described specific incidents where he either groped them or kissed them, the New York Times reported.

The chairperson of the Long Wharf board of trustees told the New York Times that Edelstein has been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately. Staff were called in for a meeting on Monday, and the board was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to the New York Times.

In 2004, one employee filed a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities after Edelstein referred to an actress as "skanky," the New York Times reported. Some of those interviewed told the New York Times that the board were aware of concerns about Edelstein's behavior for years, which the chairperson said was misleading.

The popular Long Wharf Theatre has mounted many productions which on to be performed on Broadway. In 1978 it won the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.